Health library

Diarrhea

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is defined either as watery stool or increased frequency (or both) when compared to a normal amount. It is a common problem that may last a few days and disappear on its own.

Diarrhea may be:

acute (short-term, lasting less than two weeks), which is usually related to bacterial or viral infections.

chronic (long-term, lasting longer than two weeks), which is usually related to functional disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, or may be due to diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac sprue, or Giardia.

What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea in children may be caused by a number of conditions, including the following:

bacterial infection

viral infection

food intolerances or allergies

parasites

reaction to medications

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

The following are the most common symptoms for diarrhea. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Severe diarrhea may indicate a serious disease, making it important to consult your child's physician if any/all of the following symptoms persist:

cramping

abdominal pain

bloating

nausea

urgent need to use the restroom

fever

bloody stools

The symptoms of diarrhea may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

Warning signs of severe diarrhea:

You should call your pediatrician if your child is less than 6 months of age or presents any of the following symptoms:

abdominal pain

blood in the stool

frequent vomiting

loss of appetite for liquids

high fever

dry, sticky mouth

weight loss

urinates less frequently (wets fewer than 6 diapers per day)

frequent diarrhea

extreme thirst

no tears when crying

depressed fontanelle (soft spot) on infant's head

How is diarrhea diagnosed?

In addition to a complete physical examination and laboratory tests for blood and urine, the child's physician may request:

laboratory examination of stool sample

additional blood tests

Treatment for diarrhea:

Specific treatment for diarrhea will be determined by your child's physician based on: